Glenn Mercer and Bill Million formed the band as The Outkids in 1976, and changed their name to The Feelies later that year. The band moved to New York and began receiving critical acclaim for their performances. By the 1978, the band consisted of Mercer, Million, basist Keith DeNunzio and drummer Anton Fier. The band released their debut single "Fa Cé-La", on Rough Trade Records in 1979.
In 1980, the band released their debut album, "Crazy Rhythms" on Stiff Records. Fier and DeNunzio left the band shortly after the release of the album, and the band was put on hiatus as Mercer and Million pursued other projects. The two continued to occasionally perform with other musicians as The Feelies throughout the early 1980's.
The band reformed in 1985 with a lineup consisting of Million, Mercer, Dave Wackerman, Brenda Sauter and Stan Demeski and released "The Good Earth" in 1986. The album was co-produced by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. The Feelies toured with Lou Reed and R.E.M. during 1986.
In 1988, the band released "Only Life" on A&M Records, and in 1991, released "Time for a Witness" on the same label. The band disbanded in 1992.
The band reunited in 2008 and toured with Sonic Youth, before beginning a schedule of festival dates throughout 2009 and 2010. The band released their fifth album, "Here Before", on Bar/None Records in 2011.
So Far
The Feelies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's alright
Now it's time
To say goodnight
And the waiting
Getting longer
And the feeling
So long
So far
How long
How far
Now this time
Is almost gone
And my mind
Is running on
Does it matter
Crazy feelies
On the way now
Find a reason
Get ready
Too long
It's easy
So far
So long
So far
How long
How far
The song So Far by The Feelies can be interpreted in various ways, but the overall theme seems to suggest an impending change or an ending of some sort. The repetition of "so long" and "how long" implies a sense of farewell or departure. The first verse seems to acknowledge this change by saying "it's okay" and "it's alright," almost as if the singer is talking to themselves or someone else who is hesitant about the change. The line "now it's time to say goodnight" reinforces the sense of closure.
The second verse focuses on uncertainty and anticipation. "And the waiting getting longer" suggests that whatever is coming is taking longer to arrive than expected. The line "and the feeling getting stronger" could be referring to a growing sense of anxiety or excitement. The third verse seems to be an introspective moment where the singer reflects on their state of mind. "And my mind is running on" conveys a sense of restlessness or wandering thoughts. The final lines of the song are cryptic but seem to suggest that whatever is happening is inevitable: "on the way now / find a reason."
Overall, So Far by The Feelies is a contemplative song about change and uncertainty. The repetition of certain phrases creates a sense of circularity or inevitability. The lyrics could be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the listener's personal experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
It's okay
Things are fine, there's nothing to worry about.
It's alright
Everything is satisfactory and acceptable.
Now it's time
The current moment calls for a particular action or response.
To say goodnight
It's time to end something, perhaps to say goodbye.
And the waiting
The act of waiting for something is happening.
Getting longer
The wait seems to be more extended than anticipated.
And the feeling
An emotion or sensation is being experienced.
Getting stronger
The emotion or sensation is becoming more intense.
So long
Farewell, and I hope to see you again.
So far
Up until now, things have been distant or separate.
How long
Used to inquire about the duration of a particular circumstance or event.
How far
Used to inquire about the distance between two places, times, or concepts.
Now this time
At this particular moment.
Is almost gone
The time or opportunity for something is quickly running out.
And my mind
Refers to one's thoughts and emotions.
Is running on
Thoughts and emotions are active, perhaps at a rapid pace.
Does it matter
Questioning the significance or importance of something.
Crazy feelies
Intense or unusual emotions that are difficult to explain or understand.
On the way now
Something is coming or approaching soon.
Find a reason
Attempting to determine a justification for something.
Get ready
Preparing for an upcoming or imminent event.
Too long
Something has gone on for an excessive amount of time.
It's easy
Something is not difficult or complicated.
So long
Farewell, and I hope to see you again.
So far
Up until now, things have been distant or separate.
How long
Used to inquire about the duration of a particular circumstance or event.
How far
Used to inquire about the distance between two places, times, or concepts.
Contributed by Benjamin G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.